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4. Oral Health Knowledge, Awareness and Practice Among Patients in Dental College / Hospital, Karachi

Muhammad Nadeem1, Naheed Najmi2 and Irum Munir Raja3

ABSTRACT

 

Objective: To assess the awareness, attitude and behavior of Pakistani population in relation to oral health status and accept dental treatment among Darul Sehat Hospital patients living in Karachi, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross sectional study

 

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) in Dental Block at Darul Sehat Hospital, Karachi from July 2016 to December 2016

 

Materials and Methods: A total of 8125 subjects consulted in the Out Patient Department and 7686 (94.5%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. To access the oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviour we analysed the reasons of attending OPD, work load in different department, patients accepting or refusing the treatment plan or going for the alternative treatment plan.

Results: Results have shown that most of the patients came at dental OPD in pain without swelling (N= 3,620) (x2

=   225.6, df= 11, p<0.001) but they did not prefer the conservative approach (Root Canal treatment). Most of the patient preferred extractions (N= 1,091) (x2 = 4334.71, df=12, p<0.001) which indicates the lack of knowledge or may be cost effectiveness.

 

Conclusion: Summing up, the present record and study have showed that population of Pakistan have lack of awareness and lack of positive attitude towards dental treatment.

 

Key Words: Oral Health, Awareness, Behavior, Attitude

 

Citation of articles: Nadeem M, Najmi N, Raja IM. Oral Health Knowledge, Awareness and Practice Among Patients in Dental College / Hospital, Karachi. Med Forum 2017;28(10):16-20.